Summer Day at Colmberg Castle

Colmberg, Germany-

Last week, on a beautiful sunny day we took a short drive over to the closest castle to our home. Rudi trotted proudly through the gates of  Colmberg Castle as if he were the rightful lord of the manor. Perched high above the Franconian countryside in the small village of Colmberg, the medieval castle is only a few kilometers from Rothenburg. The 1,000-year-old fortress glowed in the summer light, its thick stone walls whispering tales of knights and noble hunts. 

One is immediately struck by the immense stone towers and the centuries old ambiance of the castle. The hilly, wooded grounds of the castle were formerly used to keep wild boar and deer that were transformed into gourmet Franconian delicacies in the castle‘s restaurant.

And as is common in so many castles throughout Europe, the walls are full of old hunting trophies. As we entered the castle, Rudi and I were quite surprised to see a stuffed boar and a large bear staring back at us!

Built in the 13th century and once owned by the powerful Hohenzollern family, the castle has seen centuries of history—but probably never a Pekingese quite like Rudolf von Rothenburg. He sniffed around the ancient courtyard and posed regally. He barked boldly into the wind from the tower walls, as if calling to the distant medieval hounds. He would have gladly joined in the hunt!